Benson Historic Barrio
a.k.a. The Barrio, Sal Si Puede, Tortilla Flats
307-572 Fifth St, between San Pedro St and Route 80, Benson, AZBenson Historic Barrio is significant for its association with the history of Hispanic residents of Mexican descent in this ethnic enclave in Benson, Arizona. Mexicans and Mexican Americans have been part of Benson's history since the agricultural and railroad eras in the late 19th century through the changes that took place during World War II and beyond. Once established in the Barrio, the Mexican community developed a unique lifestyle that contrasted with that of its Euroamerican neighbors and added richness to Benson's social fabric. Barrio resident Edward Ellsworth provided much of the information about the families that settled in his neighborhood. The Barrio is significant also for its association with community development in Benson as a unique neighborhood with Hispanic settlement characteristics and for its architecture: an unusual collection of vernacular dwellings, hardscapes and buildings that represent Mexican and Mexican-influenced Euroamerican popular culture.
Local significance of the district:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2011.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.